On your Guadeloupe Boat-Charter, you must visit Les Saintes. Also called Îles des Saintes. A favorite destination for sailing enthusiasts. This archipelago consists of two inhabited, very mountainous islands. Terre-de-Haut (5km2) and Terre-de-Bas (8km2). As well as seven islets.
Due to its location in the heart of the Lesser Antilles, Les Saintes was first visited by Arawak Indians. Later on the Kalinogas from neighboring islands, around the 9th century. But a lack of spring water made them uninhabitable at that time. Archaeological remains of war axes and pottery, stored at Fort Napoleon museum, are testimony to the presence of these Indian groups. Later, people from Brittany and Normandy inhabited Les Saintes.
Les Saintes evokes the feeling of Saint Barts 10-15 years ago. This island group should of course be a destination on your Guadalupe boat charter vacation!
Is the most populous island of the archipelago of Les Saintes. You will find Les Saintes Bay here. Considered by UNESCO to be the third most beautiful bay in the world. Many battles between the French and English took place here. The bay also served as an anchorage for pirates and buccaneers. Terre-de-Haut is famous for its sugar loaf. It is named after the Rio de Janeiro “Sugar Loaf”. The Les Saintes “Pain de Sucre” is a beach well-liked by locals since it is not crowded. Beautiful Plage de Pompierre protects you from trade winds. Charming colorful streets dot the island of Terre-de-Haut. In addition, multicolored boats and painted wooden huts of its fishermen are dotting its shoreline.
While on Terre-de-Haut, you must try the very delicious and addictive, Tourments d’Amour. A tartlet that’s soft on the outside. And crunchy on the inside with coconut, banana, or guava filling.
While there walk up to Fort Napoléon, built on a bluff called Mire. This fort was in fact never the site of a battle. Instead, it was used as a penitentiary during WWII. Now it is a museum. Specifically dedicated to the history, culture, and environment of Les Saintes. “Jardin Exotique du Fort Napoleon” is a beautiful botanical garden on the grounds of the fort. Additionally, legend describes that the fort is haunted by the spirit of a young French girl who fell in love with a British officer.
Major sites include:
Terre-de-Bas does not receive as many tourists as its neighbor Terre-de-Haut. The island has two districts: Petite Anse and Grand Anse. It is a steep and mountainous island. Yet much larger than its Terre-de-Haut. The attraction here is the hiking trails and remains of ancient pottery. And equally important: Terre-de-Bas is famous for its art craft production. Also shop for West Indian bay tree essence, petit liquors, and cherry jam. By all means, you must look for Salako, the unique, traditional fishermen’s hat.
Major sites include:
Special Thanks to The Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board for providing access to, and permission to use, the contents above.
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